Symptoms
- Severe period pain that has worsened over the years
- Pelvic pain that continues outside periods
- Pain during or after intercourse
- Painful bowel movements or urination during periods
- Difficulty getting pregnant
The severity of symptoms does not always match the extent of the disease. Pain due to endometriosis should not be dismissed as “normal period pain”; effective treatments are available.
Diagnosis
Examination and ultrasound are helpful, especially for showing endometriomas; MRI can be used for deep disease. A definitive diagnosis is made by seeing the disease at laparoscopy and confirming it with a biopsy. If symptoms are typical, trying medical treatment before surgery is also a reasonable approach.
Medical treatment
Medication does not eliminate endometriosis but can reduce pain considerably: painkillers (NSAIDs), continuous contraceptive pills, progestins, the hormonal intrauterine system and GnRH analogues. If a medication is not effective within 1–3 months, another treatment or surgery is considered.
Laparoscopic endometriosis surgery
Surgery is recommended for pain that persists despite medication, a large or growing endometrioma, deep endometriosis affecting organs (bowel, bladder, ureter) and infertility related to endometriosis.
The operation is performed laparoscopically; the aim is to remove endometriosis deposits and adhesions while preserving ovarian tissue and organ function. Pain decreases markedly after surgery in most patients. Because the disease can recur, continuing with hormonal treatment after surgery is often recommended.
For women who do not wish to have children and whose severe symptoms persist despite other treatments, hysterectomy is also an option.
Frequently asked questions
Does endometriosis cause infertility?
It can make getting pregnant more difficult, but many women with endometriosis conceive naturally or with treatment. Surgery, intrauterine insemination and IVF are considered depending on the situation.
Can endometriosis turn into cancer?
Endometriosis is a benign disease. Although the risk of some types of ovarian cancer is slightly increased in women with endometriomas, the absolute risk is low.
Does pregnancy cure endometriosis?
Symptoms often improve during and after pregnancy, but the disease may not go away permanently.
Book a consultation
Prof. Dr. Derya Sivri Aydın sees patients at Medical Park Bahçelievler Hospital, Istanbul. International patients are supported by the hospital's International Patient Services Center.
The information on this page is for general guidance only; the right diagnosis and treatment for you are decided after a consultation. Last updated: November 2026.